Valve for decorative dispensing

ABSTRACT

A dispensing valve is provided for dispensing a fluid substance. The dispensing valve is pressure-responsive, and may be of a self-closing type, or define a central discharge aperture through which a substance being dispensed flows. A substance contact surface of the dispensing valve defines one or more projections and/or recesses which can cooperate with the substance being dispensed to impart a contoured or shaped cross-sectional configuration to the substance. A decorative effect can thus desirably be achieved, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the dispensed substance, such as a whipped dessert topping, toothpaste, foamed construction material, etc.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a system for dispensing a substance, and more particularly to a dispensing valve arrangement or system for dispensing a flowable substance, which can include, for example, a whipped food topping or the like. The inventive valve arrangement imparts a decorative, profiled or contoured shape to a product stream during dispensing to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE PRIOR ART

The inventor of the present invention has discovered that it would be advantageous to provide an improved system for dispensing an extrudable product from a package or other supply of the product. In particular, the inventor has discovered an innovative design that provides advantages not heretofore contemplated in the packaging industry or suggested by the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor of the present invention has invented an innovative dispensing valve system which, inter alia, can provide a decorative shape or surface configuration on for an extrudable substance discharged through the system.

The inventor of the present invention has discovered that the dispensing valve can optionally be designed for easily accommodating its assembly with other components during manufacture of a dispensing system.

Also, the dispensing valve can optionally be provided with a design that accommodates efficient, high quality, large volume manufacturing techniques with a reduced product reject rate.

In accordance with the present invention, a dispensing valve for dispensing a substance such as food product comprises a peripheral attachment portion, by which the valve may be attached to an associated dispensing structure. The dispensing structure, which may comprise, for example, a deformable container, has a discharge opening through which the substance to be dispensed is discharged, from an associated supply of the substance, such as held within the container. The discharging substance passes through the dispensing valve into the ambient environment when the dispensing valve is in an open condition.

The dispensing valve further includes a flexible, resilient, intermediate portion extending from and joined to the peripheral attachment portion of the valve.

The dispensing valve further includes a flexible, resilient head extending from the intermediate portion of the valve. At least part of the valve head is outwardly deflectable to an open configuration when a sufficient pressure differential exists across the valve. In this fashion, a dispensing valve embodying the principles of the present invention is pressure-responsive, facilitating convenient dispensing of food products, such as whipped toppings, condiments, and the like, by consumers.

The valve head of the dispensing valve has a substance contact surface for contacting the substance at least during discharge of the substance when the valve head is in its opened configuration. In accordance with the present invention, the valve head substance contact surface defines at least one of a projection and a recess, for contacting, and optionally shaping a portion of the substance as the substance is discharged through the valve when the valve is in the open configuration.

By this arrangement, the cross-sectional configuration of the substance being dispensed can be contoured, profiled, or shaped, in particular to provide a decorative appearance to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the substance, such as a whipped dessert-type topping or the like, or toothpaste, or a foam extrudate that rigidifies after dispensing to form a layer of material used in building construction or hobby/craft applications, etc. However, it is within the purview of the present invention that contact of the substance contact surface with the associated substance being discharged can effect shear thinning of the substance, without necessarily imparting a particular shape or contour to the substance.

The dispensing valve of the present invention can be positioned in association with an associated container by various arrangements. In particular, the valve may be part of a dispensing structure which includes a housing that defines a discharge passage for the substance, and it has a distal end discharge mouth. The dispensing valve can be provided in the form which is initially separate from, but subsequently attachable to, the housing inwardly of the housing mouth, to thereby desirably protect the valve from the environment.

The intermediate portion of the dispensing valve of the present invention can be provided in the form of a sleeve, wherein at least part of the sleeve extends either upwardly or inwardly of the peripheral attachment portion of the dispensing valve. In this configuration of the present invention, the valve head extends completely across the dispensing structure discharge opening, and includes at least one elongate slit defining at least two openable regions which each (1) has at least one transverse face for sealing against a transverse face of another one of the openable regions, and (2) is normally closed but can open to permit discharge of the substance therethrough in response to pressure differential across the valve head.

In accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the valve head of the dispensing valve defines one of the projections on each of the openable regions of the valve head. In a presently preferred embodiment, the valve head includes at least three intersecting slits to define six of the openable regions, which each has two of the transverse faces. In this embodiment, the valve head defines one of the projections on each of the openable regions of the valve head, to thereby impart a decorative appearance to the substance dispensed by the dispensing valve.

In this embodiment, each of the projections has a finned configuration, and cooperates with the substance being dispensed to impart generally V-shaped grooves or flutes to the dispensed substance.

Depending upon the specific configuration of the dispensing valve, the valve head thereof can be configured to have a generally inwardly concave configuration, or a generally outwardly convex configuration.

As noted, a dispensing structure embodying the principles of the present invention may include a separate housing that (1) defines at least part of the dispensing structure, (2) contains the dispensing valve, and (3) that is adapted for being releasably or permanently mounted to an associated container. In an illustrated embodiment of the present invention including a separate housing, the dispensing valve of the structure defines a central discharge aperture, with the substance contact surface of the valve head defining a plurality of spaced apart ones of the projections extending generally into the discharge aperture.

In this embodiment, the valve head of a dispensing valve is outwardly deflected to its open configuration by a pressure differential acting on the intermediate portion of the dispensing valve at the discharge opening defined by the associated dispensing structure. In one illustrated embodiment, the housing of the dispensing structure defines a plurality of the discharge openings, through which the dispensed substance flows as it acts against the intermediate portion of the valve to maintain it in its open configuration, with the substance thereafter passing through the central discharge aperture of the valve, where the substance can be shaped or contoured by the one or more projections extending into the central discharge aperture. In an alternative embodiment, a retaining ring of the dispensing structure, positioned within an associated housing, defines a plurality of discharge openings through which the dispensed substance flows before it passes through the central discharge aperture of the dispensing valve

Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings forming part of the specification, in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a dispensing system sub-assembly incorporating a first embodiment of the dispensing valve of the present invention, and the dispensing system sub-assembly is shown prior to installation of the dispensing system sub-assembly on a container or other reservoir for holding a substance (e.g., product) to be dispensed (e.g., discharged) through the valve, and the valve is shown in FIG. 1 in an as-molded unactuated, closed, rest configuration;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, isometric view of the components of the dispensing system sub-assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view taken through the vertical center of the dispensing system sub-assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but FIG. 4 shows the valve in the actuated, open, dispensing configuration;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but FIG. 5 shows the valve in the actuated, open, dispensing configuration corresponding to FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view of the interior side surfaces of the valve in the as-molded, closed, rest configuration prior to installation of the valve in the dispensing system sub-assembly shown in FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the valve shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the valve taken generally along the plane 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 9-9 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 10-10 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9, but FIG. 11 shows the valve with the valve head moved partway toward the extended, open position, whereas FIG. 9 shows the valve head in the fully retracted, closed position;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10, but FIG. 10 shows the valve head moved partway toward the extended, open position, whereas FIG. 10 shows the valve in the fully retracted, closed position;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the valve with the valve head moved partway to the extended, open position, and the configuration of the valve in FIG. 13 corresponds to the configuration of the valve in FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 9, but FIG. 14 shows the valve in the fully opened condition, whereas FIG. 9 shows the valve in the as-molded, closed, rest configuration (i.e., closed condition);

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 10, but FIG. 15 shows the valve in the fully open position, whereas FIG. 10 shows the valve in the retracted, closed condition;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view looking into the interior side of the valve and showing the valve in the fully open condition corresponding to the valve condition shown in FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view looking at the exterior of the valve in the fully open condition corresponding to the valve condition shown in FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a substance or product that has been discharged through the first embodiment of the valve illustrated in FIGS. 1-17;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a substance or product which has been discharged from a valve as shown generally in FIG. 26 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144. but with three intersecting slits instead of two intersecting slits, and that has many of the features of the first embodiment of the valve illustrated in FIGS. 1-17 but does not have the novel arrangement of the projections on the head of the valve (as shown generally in FIG. 26 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144) as incorporated in the valve of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-17;

FIG. 20 is an exploded, isometric view of components of a second form of a dispensing system sub-assembly that incorporates a second embodiment of the valve of the present invention, and the valve in FIG. 20 is shown in an unactuated, unstressed, as-molded, rest condition;

FIG. 21 is a view of the housing of the dispensing sub-assembly illustrated in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the housing shown in FIG. 21, and the view in FIG. 22 is taken along the plane 22-22 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the housing taken generally along the plane 23-23 in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the housing taken generally along the plane 24-24 in FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the interior side of the second embodiment of the valve in the unstressed, as-molded condition;

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the exterior side of the second embodiment of the valve in the unstressed, as-molded condition;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment of the valve in the unstressed, as-molded condition;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the valve taken generally along the plane 28-28 in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the second embodiment of the valve taken generally along the plane 29-29 in FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the valve taken generally along the plane 30-30 in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the valve taken generally along the plane 31-31 in FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is an isometric view of the retaining ring employed in the second form of the dispensing sub-assembly in which the second embodiment of the dispensing valve of the present invention is incorporated;

FIG. 33 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the components assembled to create the second form of the dispensing system sub-assembly wherein the cross-sectional view of the housing corresponds to the view of the housing in FIG. 24 and wherein the valve and housing are shown in the normally closed, rest configuration;

FIG. 34 is a view similar to FIG. 33, but in FIG. 34 the valve is shown moved to the open position;

FIG. 35 is a vertical, cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 34, but in FIG. 35, the cross-sectional view of the housing corresponds to the cross-sectional view of the housing in FIG. 23;

FIG. 36 is an exploded, isometric view of a third form of a dispensing system sub-assembly that also incorporates the second embodiment of the valve of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the housing of the third form of the dispensing system sub-assembly;

FIG. 38 is an isometric view of the interior side of the retaining ring prior to assembly in the third form of the dispensing system sub-assembly illustrated in FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a vertical, cross-sectional view of the components assembled to create the third form of the dispensing system sub-assembly wherein the valve is in the rest, closed position;

FIG. 40 is a view similar to FIG. 39, but FIG. 40 shows the valve moved to the open configuration;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of a commercially available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib or fin features of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a side elevational view of another commercially available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib or fin features of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of another commercially available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib or fin features of the present invention;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a side elevational view of another commercially available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib or fin features of the present invention;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a side elevational view of another commercially available valve that may be modified to incorporate the novel rib or fin features of the present invention; and

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the valve shown in FIG. 49.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so described, however. The scope of the invention is pointed out in the appended claims.

As discussed in detail hereinafter, the dispensing valve of the present invention can be incorporated in a dispensing structure for use with an associated container to facilitate dispensing substances such as food products, including whipped toppings, condiments, and the like. Notably, the present dispensing valve can be configured to dispense product in a decorative fashion, that is, profile or shape the product stream as it is being dispensed, to thereby enhance the aesthetic appeal of the dispensed product. Dispensing of decorative whipped topping is one particular application which is presently contemplated.

The dispensing valve of the present invention has the capability of dispensing a decorative product stream in a manner which is superior to that achieved by conventional pressure-responsive valve structures. At the same time, the pressure-responsive valve arrangement of the present invention facilitates dispensing of a decorative product in a manner which improves upon the traditional non-valved dispensing arrangement.

It is within the purview of the present invention that contact of the substance contact surface with the associated substance being discharged can effect shear thinning of the substance, without necessarily imparting a particular shape or contour to the substance. The shear thinning effect can be quantified in accordance with ASTM D 5478-98. By way of example, shear thinning during dispensing can be desirable in connection with dispensing of coatings, such as paint, which would be subject to shear thinning without shaping or contouring of the substance.

Notably, the present invention can be configured as a dispensing valve which includes a so-called rolling sleeve which operatively connects a central valve head, which may be invertible, with a peripheral portion of the valve which facilitates mounting of the valve in association with an associated container or the like. A dispensing valve of the present invention has the capability to be self-retained, or mounted through utilization of a retaining ring, or other mechanical means, such as swaging, coining, sonic welding, etc. In applications where cooling the dispensed product is required, the present valve desirably acts as a barrier to atmospheric conditions. At the same time, the dispensing valve desirably acts to prevent contaminants from contacting the product.

For ease of description, many of the figures illustrating the invention show various embodiments of a dispensing valve for use in preferred forms of dispensing systems in the typical orientation that the systems have when they are oriented for use, and terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc., are used with reference to this position. It will be understood, however, that the dispensing valve of this invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, sold, and used in an orientation other than the orientation described.

The dispensing valve of this invention is suitable for use with a variety of conventional or special substance holding systems, including a flexible tubular containment structures, containers, tanks, vessels, and other equipment or apparatus, the details of which, although not fully illustrated or described, would be apparent to those having skill in the art and an understanding of such systems. Such a substance holding system, or portion thereof, with which the inventive dispensing valve cooperates is hereinafter simply referred to as a “reservoir.” The particular reservoir, per se, forms no part of, and therefore is not intended to limit, the broad aspects of the present invention. It will also be understood by those of ordinary skill that novel and non-obvious inventive aspects are embodied in the described exemplary dispensing valve alone.

A presently preferred first embodiment of a dispensing valve of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-17 and is designated generally by reference number 20 in many of those figures (e.g., in FIG. 1). In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the dispensing valve 20 is especially suitable for cooperation with other components that are initially provided and assembled with the valve 20 to create a dispensing system sub-assembly 22 that can be subsequently mounted or installed on a reservoir (not shown), such as a container, that contains a substance to be dispensed. The illustrated first embodiment of the valve 20 is particularly suitable for discharging a flowable, low density substance that is (1) creamy, pasty, or gooey, (2) somewhat stiff, such as pastry cream, whipped cream, etc., and (3) typically deposited on a target receiving region for either presentation to a consumer or further processing.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the presently preferred form of the dispensing system sub-assembly 22 includes the following basic components which are assembled together: (1) a connecting housing 24, (2) the dispensing valve 20 mounted in the housing 24, and (3) a retaining ring or clamp member 28 that retains the valve 20 in the housing 24.

The housing 24 may be generally characterized as a dispensing structure or part of a dispensing structure. The housing 24 has an inlet end 32 (FIG. 3) which is adapted to be connected to a container or other reservoir (not shown) with a screw thread 36 as illustrated or other suitable conventional or special attaching systems which could be releasable or permanent (not shown). The housing 24 has an outlet end 40 defined by an annular wall portion (FIG. 3). The housing outlet end 40 may be further characterized as defining a distal end discharge mouth at the end of the housing 24 opposite the inlet end 32. The housing 24 may also be characterized as having an internal discharge passage extending between the inlet end 32 and the outlet end 40 as can be seen in FIG. 3, with the housing thus defining a discharge opening at which valve 20 is generally positioned.

The housing outlet end 40 defines an interior, annular seat 42 (FIG. 3), preferably in the configuration of a frustoconical surface, for receiving a peripheral portion of the valve 20 as described hereinafter. This accommodates the seating of the valve 20 in the housing 24 adjacent the outlet 40. The surface or seat 42 functions as an annular, downwardly angled clamping surface for sealingly engaging the peripheral part of the valve 20 when the valve 20 is retained in the housing 24 by means of the retaining ring 28 as described in detail hereinafter.

The preferred first embodiment of the valve 20 is a self-closing, slit-type valve. The valve 20 is preferably molded as a unitary structure from material which is flexible, pliable, elastic, and resilient. This can include elastomers, such as a synthetic, thermosetting polymer, including silicone rubber, such as the silicone rubber sold by Dow Corning Corp. in the United States of America under the trade designation D.C. 99-595-HC. Another suitable silicone rubber material is sold in the United States of America under the designation Wacker 3003-40 by Wacker Silicone Company. Both of these materials have a hardness rating of 40 Shore A. The valve 20 could also be molded from other thermosetting materials or from other elastomeric materials, or from thermoplastic polymers or thermoplastic elastomers, including those based upon materials such as thermoplastic propylene, ethylene, urethane, and styrene, including their halogenated counterparts.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the valve 20 has the configuration that is a novel modification of a commercially available valve substantially as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,289 with reference to the valve 46 disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,289. Such a type of commercially available valve is further described with reference to the similar valve that is designated by reference number 3 d in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144. The descriptions of those two patents are incorporated herein by reference thereto to the extent pertinent and to the extent not inconsistent herewith.

In operation, the valve 20 changes configuration between (1) a closed, generally unstressed, rest position or configuration (FIGS. 1 and 3), and (2) an active, open position or configuration (FIGS. 4 and 5) when a pressure differential of sufficient magnitude acts across the valve 20 as described hereinafter. The valve 20 includes a flexible, central portion or head 48 (FIGS. 3 and 9). When the valve 20 is closed, the head 48 has an inwardly concave configuration (when viewed from the exterior of the dispensing system sub-assembly 22).

As can be seen FIG. 1, the head 48 preferably has planar, intersecting, dispensing slits 50 of equal length which together define a closed dispensing orifice when the valve 20 is closed. According to the present invention, in the preferred form of the first embodiment of the valve 20, there are three intersecting slits 50 (FIGS. 1 and 8) oriented at equal angles of intersection to define six, generally sector-shaped, equally sized flaps or petals 52 in the concave, central head 48. The flaps or petals 52 may be also characterized as “openable regions” of the valve 20. Each flap or petal 52 has a pair of diverging transverse faces defined by the slits 50, and each transverse face seals against a confronting transverse face of an adjacent petal 52 when the valve 20 is closed.

According to one novel aspect of the invention, at least some, and preferably all, of the flaps or petals 52 each has at least one projection 60 (FIGS. 6 and 8), which may be provided in the form of a raised rib, or provided with a finned configuration. Alternatively, one or more of the petals 52 can be configured to define a groove or recess, to thereby impart a decorative profile to product being dispensed. In the presently preferred form, as illustrated, each of the petals 52 is provided with a respective one of the projections 60. In the preferred arrangement, as shown in FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, each projection 60 has a finned configuration and includes a steeply sloping radial inner surface 64 merging with a high ridge 68. The radially outer end of the ridge 64 merges with an outer surface 72 that slopes at a less steep angle back to, and merges with, the main surface of the valve head 48. In a presently preferred form of the first embodiment of the present invention valve 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1-17, the ridge 68 of each projection 60 is narrow compared to the width of the radially inner surface 64 and radially outer surface 72. The surfaces 64 and 72 each preferably has a width that is greatest at the base where the surface 64 or 72 merges with the valve head 48, and width of each surface 64 and 72 tapers to a lesser width as the surfaces merge with the ridge 68.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the projections 60 is generally aligned with a flow axis defined by the dispensing valve 20. However, it is within the purview of the present invention that one or more of the projections 60 be positioned at an acute angle to the flow axis of the dispensing valve. When so positioned, the projection 60 can be provided with either a generally planar configuration, such as in the illustrated embodiment, or a generally arcuate configuration, such as in the nature of a fan blade, turbine blade, etc.

The valve 20 can be molded with the slits 50. Alternatively, the valve slits 50 can be subsequently cut into the central head 48 of the valve 20 by suitable conventional techniques. In operation, the flaps 52 are forced open outwardly from the intersection point of the slits 50 when a sufficiently high pressure differential exits across the valve head 48.

The valve 20 includes an annular intermediate portion, such as a skirt or sleeve 80 (FIG. 9), which extends from the periphery of the valve head 48. The end of the sleeve 80 defines a thin, annular portion or flange 82 (FIG. 9) which extends generally radially outwardly from the sleeve 80, but in a reverse angled orientation when the valve 20 is in the unactuated, rest condition. The portion or flange 82 of the sleeve 80 joins with an enlarged, much thicker, peripheral flange 86 which has a generally dovetail-shaped, transverse cross section (as viewed in FIG. 9).

To accommodate the seating of the valve 20 in the housing 24 as seen in FIG. 3, the top surface of the dovetail valve flange 86 has the same frustoconical configuration and angle as the frustoconical surface 42 of the housing 24.

The other surface (i.e., the outwardly facing bottom surface) of the valve flange 86 is clamped by the retaining ring 28 (FIG. 3). The retaining ring 28 includes an upwardly facing, frustoconical, annular clamping surface 90 (FIGS. 2 and 3) for engaging the outwardly facing surface (i.e., bottom surface) of the valve flange 86 at an angle which generally matches the angle of the valve flange outwardly facing surface (i.e., bottom surface).

A peripheral portion of the retaining ring 28 defines an outwardly projecting bead 92 (FIGS. 2 and 3) for snap-fit engagement with an annular bead 94 (FIG. 3) that is located on the housing 24 outwardly of the annular seat 42, and this snap-fit engagement causes the ring 28 to clamp the valve 20 tightly in the housing 24. During assembly, the retaining ring 28 can be pushed past the housing retaining bead 94 because there is sufficient flexibility in the retaining ring 28 and/or housing 24 to accommodate temporary, elastic deformation of the components as the retaining ring bead 92 passes over, and inwardly beyond, the housing bead 94 to create a snap-fit engagement that compresses or clamps the valve 20 between the opposing frustoconical surfaces 42 and 90 (FIG. 3) This permits the region between the interior surface of the valve sleeve 80 and the housing 24 (FIG. 2) to be substantially free and clear so as to accommodate movement of the valve sleeve 80 when the valve 20 opens as will next be explained.

When the valve 20 is properly mounted within the housing 24 as illustrated in FIG. 3, the central portion or head 48 of the valve 20 lies recessed inwardly away from the retaining ring 28. However, when the valve 20 opens, then the valve head 48 moves outwardly from its recessed position to a location beyond the retaining ring 28 as can be seen in FIG. 5.

As the valve 20 opens, the outward displacement of the central head 48 of the valve 20 is accommodated by deformation of the head 48 and of the relatively thin, flexible sleeve 80. The sleeve 80 deforms, or moves, from an inwardly projecting, retracted, rest position (shown in FIG. 3) to an outwardly displaced (i.e., extended), actuated position, and this occurs by the sleeve 80 “rolling” along itself outwardly toward the discharge end of the sub-assembly 22 (toward the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 5). FIGS. 11-13 show the valve 20 alone with the other components omitted for ease of illustration, and FIGS. 11-13 show the head 48 of the valve 20 moved only part way toward the fully extended position while the valve slits 50 remain closed. FIGS. 14-17 show the valve 20 alone moved completely to the fully extended position with the valve completely open after the petals 52 have snapped open.

In the preferred first embodiment of the valve 20 illustrated for use with the preferred first form of the dispensing system sub-assembly 22, the valve 20 is designed to close when the pressure differential across the valve head 48 drops below a predetermined amount. The inherent resiliency of the valve 20 allows the valve 20 to return to the unactuated, closed condition (by action of the force generated from the resilient valve's deformational stresses). The valve 20 is sufficiently stiff to remain closed under the static head of the substance in the housing 24 (and in the attached reservoir (not shown)), but the valve 20 is flexible enough to open when the valve head 48 is subjected to a pressure differential greater than a predetermined magnitude.

If the valve 20 has also been designed to be flexible enough to accommodate in-venting of ambient atmosphere as described in detail below, then the closing petals 52 of the valve can continue moving inwardly to allow the valve to open inwardly when the pressure on the valve head exterior surface exceeds the pressure on the valve head interior surface by a predetermined magnitude. For some dispensing applications, it may be desirable for the valve 20 not only to dispense the product, but also to optionally accommodate such in-venting of the ambient atmosphere to help equalize the interior pressure in the housing 24 with the pressure of exterior ambient atmosphere. Such an in-venting capability can be provided by selecting an appropriate material for the valve construction, and by selecting appropriate thicknesses, shapes, and dimensions for various portions of the valve head 48 for the particular valve material and overall valve size. The shape, flexibility, and resilience of the valve head, and in particular, of the petals 52, can be designed or established so that the petals will deflect inwardly when subjected to a sufficient pressure differential that acts across the head 48 in a gradient direction toward the interior of the housing 24. Such a pressure differential might occur after a quantity of a substance is discharged through the valve 20, and a partial vacuum is created inside the housing 24 (and in the attached reservoir (not shown)). When the valve 20 closes, if there is a partial vacuum in the housing 24, and if the pressure differential across the valve 20 is large enough, the valve petals 52 will deflect inwardly beyond the normal closed position to permit in-venting of the ambient atmosphere into the housing 24 to assist in equalizing the internal pressure with the external pressure. As the external and internal pressures equalize, the petals 52 will move back out to the normal, closed position.

It is to be understood that the dispensing orifice of the valve 20 may be defined by structures other than the illustrated straight slits 52. If the orifice is defined by slits, then the slits may have various different shapes, sizes and/or configurations in accordance with the dispensing characteristics desired. For example, the orifice may also include four or more intersecting slits.

If it is desired to provide particular dispensing characteristics, then the dispensing valve 20 is preferably configured for use in conjunction with (1) the characteristics or shape of the particular supply reservoir (not shown—but which may establish the maximum height (i.e., static head) of the substance or product in the reservoir), (2) the characteristics of the particular substance or product, and (3) any relevant characteristics of the other dispensing system sub-assembly components. For example, the viscosity and density of the product can be relevant factors in designing the specific configuration of the valve 20. The rigidity and durometer of the valve material, and size and shape of the valve head 48, can also be relevant to achieving some desired dispensing characteristics, and can be selected for accommodating the normal range of pressure differential that is expected to be typically applied across the valve head, and for accommodating the characteristics of the substance to be dispensed therefrom.

As will be appreciated from the above description, projections 60 on petals 52 act to profile, shape, and contour a substance being dispensed through the valve 20 as the substance moves through the opening defined by the valve in its open configuration. As will be appreciated, the finned configuration of the projections 60 in this illustrated embodiment, act to create generally V-shaped grooves in the substance being dispensed, with the resultant cross-sectional profile of the substance being generally fluted or grooved. This is illustrated in FIG. 18, which shows a dispensed substance, such as whipped dessert topping, having an aesthetically pleasing decorative appearance, as created by the dispensing valve of the present invention. In contrast, FIG. 19 illustrates a like product after dispensing from a pressure-responsive valve generally of the type disclosed in above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144.

With reference now to FIGS. 20-35, therein is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the present invention, with elements thereof corresponding to the previously-described embodiment designated by like reference numerals in the A-series.

As will be further described, the dispensing valve 20A of this embodiment is incorporated in a dispensing system sub-assembly 22A, with the dispensing valve of this embodiment including a valve head which defines a central discharge aperture which remains open when the valve is in both its closed and open configurations. In this embodiment, an associated portion of the dispensing valve cooperates with an associated housing to open and close a flow path with an associated container or like reservoir. As in the previous embodiment, this embodiment of the present dispensing valve can desirably cooperate with the flow of an associated substance therethrough to impart a decorative, profiled or shaped, cross-sectional configuration to the substance.

As illustrated, dispensing system sub-assembly 22A includes a connecting housing 24A by which the sub-assembly can be mounted in operative association with a container or like reservoir, the sub-assembly further including an annular retaining ring or clamp member 28A configured for snap-fit cooperation with the housing 24A. The housing 24A has an inlet end 32A which is adapted to be connected to a container or other reservoir (not shown). The housing 24A defines an internal discharge passage through which the substance to be dispensed moves axially through the housing to an outlet end 48A within which dispensing valve 24A is generally positioned. The outlet end 48 of the housing defines a discharge mouth through which product is dispensed attendant to operation of the dispensing system.

The housing 24A defines an interior, annular valve seat 42A, preferably in a configuration of a frusto-conical surface, for receiving a peripheral flange portion 86A of the associated dispensing valve 20A. The annular seat 42A functions as an annular, downwardly angled clamping surface for sealingly engaging the peripheral portion of the valve 20A when the valve 20A is retained in the housing 24A by an associated annular retaining ring 28A.

To this end, the retaining ring 28A includes an upwardly facing, frusto-conical, annular clamping surface 90A which defines an outwardly projecting bead 92A for snap-fit engagement with an annular bead 94A located generally outwardly of annular seat 42A of housing 24A. This snap-fit engagement causes the ring 28A to clamp valve 20A tightly in the housing 24A. During assembly, the retaining ring 28A can be pushed past the housing retaining bead 94A because there is sufficient flexibility in the retaining ring 28A and/or housing 24A to accommodate a temporary, elastic deformation of the components as the retaining ring bead 92A passes over, and inwardly beyond, the housing bead 94A to create a snap-fit engagement that compresses or clamps the peripheral portion 86 of the dispensing valve 20 between the opposing frusto-conical surfaces 42A and 90A.

As in the previous embodiment, dispensing valve 20A includes a valve head 48A extending from an intermediate portion 80A of the dispensing valve, such that at least part of the valve head is outwardly deflectable in an open configuration, when a sufficient pressure differential exists across the valve. In this embodiment, the dispensing valve 20A defines a central discharge aperture 49A, which aperture remains open as the valve head moves between its open and closed configurations.

Control of flow through the dispensing valve assembly is provided by cooperation between the intermediate portion 80A of the dispensing valve 20A, and an interior wall 26A of the housing 24A which defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced, discharge openings 27A. The opening action of this embodiment of the present dispensing system is illustrated in FIGS. 33, 34, and 35, with FIG. 33 illustrating dispensing valve 20A in its closed configuration, and FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrating dispensing valve 20A in its open configuration. As will be observed, as the dispensing valve is displaced from internal wall 26A under the influence of differential pressure created across the valve, and in particular differential pressure acting on intermediate portion 80A of the dispensing valve at discharge openings 27A, the central valve head 48A moves downwardly, whereby product can flow through the discharge passage of housing 24A, through discharge openings 27A, between the internal wall 26A and the dispensing valve 20A, and outwardly through the central discharge aperture of the dispensing valve.

In order to impart the desired decorative cross-sectional profile to product being dispensed, the valve head 48A of dispensing valve 20A includes a substance contact surface that defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections 60A, which extend generally inwardly of the valve head at the central discharge aperture thereof. As illustrated, each of projections 60A has a generally V-shaped configuration, that is, tapering generally radially inwardly to a generally pointed, free end of each projection, to thereby impart generally V-shaped grooves to a substance being dispensed by the dispensing system. As will be appreciated, projections 60A can be otherwise configured to impart other, differing profiles to the substance being dispensed by the dispensing arrangement.

FIGS. 36-40 illustrate a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, with elements thereof corresponding to the previously-described embodiments designated by like reference numerals in the B-series.

As will be recognized, in this illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing valve 20B is provided in a configuration similar to that of above-described dispensing valve 20A, in that the dispensing valve includes an outwardly deflectable valve head that defines a central discharge opening which remains open attendant to deflectable movement of the valve head. This embodiment differs from the previously-described embodiment, in that this embodiment includes a retaining ring or clamp member 28B which defines an internal wall, and plurality of discharge openings, with which the associated dispensing valve cooperates in a pressure-responsive fashion to control the flow of a substance through the illustrated dispensing structure.

Housing 24B of this embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 37, includes an inlet end 32B which is adapted to be connected to a container or other reservoir (not shown) with an internal thread 36B, as illustrated, or other suitable conventional or special attaching systems which can be releasable or permanent (not shown). The housing 24B has an outlet end 40B defined by an annular wall portion. The housing outlet end 40B may be further characterized as defining a distal end discharge mouth at the end of the housing 24B, opposite the inlet end 32B. The housing 24B may also be characterized as having an internal discharge passage extending between the inlet end 32B and the outlet end 42B, as can be seen in FIG. 37, with the housing further defining a frusto-conical valve seat 42B against which the associated valve 20B is positioned.

Dispensing valve 20B of this embodiment is generally similar to dispensing valve 20A of the previously-described embodiment. Dispensing valve 20B includes a valve head 48B which is deflectable attendant to pressure-responsive activation of the valve, and an intermediate portion 80B surrounding the valve head 48B. The dispensing valve 20B further includes a peripheral flange portion 86B, to which intermediate portion 80B is joined, with the peripheral flange portion 86B facilitating mounting of the valve on the valve seat 42B of housing 24B.

In accordance with the present invention, valve head 48B of dispensing valve 20B defines a central discharge aperture at which a substance contact surface of the valve head defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections 60B, each having a generally radially inwardly tapering configuration, whereby generally V-shaped grooves are formed in an associated substance as the substance flows through the central discharge opening of the valve head.

This embodiment further includes an annular retaining ring or clamp member 28B configured for snap-fit cooperation with the housing 24B, whereby the dispensing valve 20B is held in position within the housing for dispensing cooperation with the retaining ring 28B of the dispensing structure. In particular, the retaining ring 28B defines a generally outwardly projecting bead 92B for snap-fit engagement with an annular bead 94B of the housing 24B. This snap-fit engagement causes the retaining ring 28B to clamp the valve 20B tightly in the housing 24B. The retaining ring 28B defines a frusto-conical surface 90B (FIG. 39) which cooperates with frusto-conical surface 42B of the housing 24B to grip and retain the peripheral flange portion 86B of the dispensing valve 20B when the valve and retaining ring are assembled in position within the housing 24B.

As noted, retaining ring 28B defines a plurality of discharge openings through which a dispensing substance flows prior to flow through the central discharge aperture defined by the associated dispensing valve 20B. In particular, the retaining ring 28B includes an internal wall 26B (FIG. 38), and a plurality of circumferentially spaced discharge openings 27B.

Operation of this embodiment of the present invention will be readily apparent from comparison of FIG. 39, wherein the dispensing valve 20B is in its closed configuration, and FIG. 40, wherein the dispensing valve is in its open configuration. Specifically, in the closed configuration of the valve, the intermediate portion 80B of the valve engages the internal wall 26B of the retaining ring 28B, thus preventing communication between the inlet and outlet ends of the housing 24B.

When a pressure differential is created across the dispensing valve, particularly at the intermediate portion 80B of the dispensing valve at the discharge openings 27B, the valve head 48B is deflected away from the internal wall 26B, thereby permitting flow of the substance to be dispensed from the inlet end of the housing 24B, through the discharge openings 27B, through the central discharge aperture of the valve head 28B, and out of the outlet end of the housing 40B generally at the discharge mouth thereof. Attendant to flow in this manner, the substance being dispensed is shaped and contoured by cooperation of the projections 60B with the substance as it flows through the central discharge aperture of the valve head 48B. The substance is thus imparted with the desired decorative appearance for enhanced aesthetic appeal.

While presently preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it is to be understood that a dispensing valve, and dispensing structure, embodying the principles of the present invention can be provided in a variety of configurations, that is, embodied as a variety of different pressure-responsive dispensing valves which include one or more deflectable elements which can be configured to contour or shape an associated substance as it passes through the valve structure. The direction of flow during dispensing is indicated by the arrow shown with each of these dispensing valves (illustrated in FIGS. 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, and 50), with a substance contact surface C, which can be configured to define at least one projection (not shown) and/or recess (not shown) in accordance with the present invention.

For example, FIGS. 41 and 42 illustrate a dispensing valve 120, of a configuration generally like previously-described dispensing valve 20, which may be configured to conclude one or more projections (not shown) and/or recesses (not shown) defined by (i.e., as part of) a substance contact surface C thereof for contouring or shaping a substance being dispensed by the valve.

FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate a dispensing valve 220 including an intermediate portion 280 which remains relatively fixed attendant to pressure-responsive activation of the valve, in distinction from the “rolling” intermediate portion 80 of previously-described dispensing valve 20. The substance contact surface C can be configured to include one or more projections (not shown) and/or recesses (not shown) to shape or contour substances being dispensed through the open valve.

FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate a dispensing valve 320 which may be configured in accordance with the present invention to shape or contour a substance being dispensed by the valve. In this embodiment, grooves or recesses 360 are defined by a substance contact surface C on each petal of the dispensing valve for contouring or shaping a substance being dispensed through the open valve. Each recess 360 can be, for example, a generally V-shaped groove in contact surface C.

FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate a further pressure-responsive dispensing valve 420 which can be configured to include one or more projections (not shown) or recesses (not shown) at a substance contact surface C thereof in order to contour or shape a substance to be dispensed through the deflectable portions of the valve head of the dispensing valve.

FIGS. 49 and 50 illustrate a dispensing valve 520 which includes generally laterally deflectable portions at a valve head thereof, which valve can again be modified in accordance with the present invention to include one or more projections (not shown) and/or recesses (not shown) at a substance C contact surface thereof to contour or shape a substance as it is dispensed through the valve structure.

It will be readily observed from the foregoing detailed description of the invention and from the illustrations thereof that numerous other variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention. 

1. A dispensing valve for dispensing a substance from a supply of the substance, said dispensing valve comprising: a peripheral attachment portion by which said valve may be attached to a dispensing structure that has a discharge passage through which can be discharged a substance from a supply of said substance such that the discharging substance can pass through said valve into the ambient environment when said valve is in an open configuration; a flexible, resilient, intermediate portion extending from said peripheral attachment portion; and a flexible, resilient head extending from said intermediate portion, at least part of said valve head being outwardly deflectable to an open configuration when a sufficient pressure differential exists across said valve, said valve head having a substance contact surface for contacting said substance at least during discharge when said valve head is in said open configuration, said valve head substance contact surface defining at least one of a projection and a recess for contacting a portion of said substance as said substance is discharged through said valve when said valve is in said open configuration, wherein said valve head defines a central discharge aperture, said substance contact surface of said valve head defining a plurality of spaced apart ones of said projections or said recesses extending generally into said discharge aperture.
 2. The valve in accordance with claim 1 for use in dispensing said substance from the dispensing structure that includes a housing that defines said discharge passage for the substance and that has a distal end discharge mouth, and in which said valve is initially separate from, but subsequently attachable to, said housing inwardly of said housing mouth.
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. The valve in accordance with claim 1 in which said valve is included in combination with a separate housing that (1) defines at least part of said dispensing structure, (2) contains said valve, and (3) that is adapted for being releasably or permanently mounted to a container.
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. A valve in accordance with claim 2, wherein said dispensing structure defines at least one discharge opening which joins said discharge passage in fluid communication with said discharge mouth, said intermediate portion of said valve closing said discharge opening in a closed configuration of said valve, said valve head being outwardly deflected to its open configuration by a pressure differential acting on said intermediate portion at said discharge opening defined by said housing.
 14. A valve in accordance with claim 13, wherein said housing defines a plurality of said discharge openings.
 15. A valve in accordance with claim 1, wherein said substance contact surface is configured to effect shaping of the substance being dispensed.
 16. A valve in accordance with claim 1, wherein said substance contact surface is configured to effect shear thinning of the substance being dispensed.
 17. A valve in accordance with claim 1, wherein said at least one projection is generally aligned with a flow axis defined by said dispensing valve.
 18. A valve in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one projection is positioned at an acute angle to a flow axis defined by said dispensing valve.
 19. A valve in accordance with claim 18, wherein said at least one projection is generally planar.
 20. A valve in accordance with claim 18, wherein said at least one projection is generally arcuate. 